After weeks of lockdown, we decided to catch up with our alumni to find out how they’re getting on. Last Thursday, we caught up with Claudia De Meulemeester in Ghent, Belgium and today we’re checking in with Johannes Perterer in Vienna, Austria.

Johannes graduated from the Mundus Journalism programme from Swansea University, Wales in 2015. He is currently working for Addendum, an investigative media outlet based in Vienna, Austria.

Mundus Journalism: What is the situation like where you are right now? How long have Covid-19 measures been in place? What’s the mood like?

Austria is slowly coming out of a month-long lockdown. The mood is a bit like “this is over” but it is a bit deceptive. Politicians know that they have to ease up the lockdown in order not to have mass unemployment and social unrest, but they also expect that there will be a second wave.

Mundus Journalism: How have the Covid-19 measures affected your work?

I have been working almost entirely from my home office, except when there are video interviews that I have to do. I suppose this will be eased up a bit with the end of the lockdown now. Overall though, I expect to remain in home office for a bit longer.

MJ: What kind of tools have you been using to facilitate working remotely?

Slack, Zoom, Skype and Google Duo.

MJ: Do you have any tips or tricks for fellow Mundusians working in the same field as you?

I suggest standing several meters away from anyone you interview and to do all interviews outside.

MJ: How do you think your job will be affected in the long-term i.e. once Covid-19 measures have been lifted/loosened?

Ironically, my media outlet - Addendum - is having its most successful time since it was founded. Most stories are going viral almost instantly as apparently people have a big thirst for information at the moment.

MJ: How do you think the world will change in light of the Covid-19 pandemic?

European countries should start to produce medical equipment themselves so that they don’t have to depend on China in situations like this.

MJ: What are your wishes for the world after Covid-19?

I hope people will rethink eating animals in general, since most diseases in human history have evolved from our contact and eating of animals.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights from Austria with us, Johannes. We hope that your company continues to enjoy its viral success! In the meantime, stay safe!